Mary D. R. Boyd facts for kids

Mary D. R. Boyd (born in 1809) was an American author who wrote many books for children. She is best known for her stories and lessons published in Sunday school papers and magazines.

Early Life and Education

Mary D. R. McCorkle was born in Philadelphia in 1809. Her father, William McCorkle, was the editor of a newspaper called the Freeman's Journal. Her mother was Catherine (Snowden) McCorkle.

From a very young age, Mary loved books. She spent a lot of time reading classic stories in her father's library. This early love for reading helped her become a successful writer later on.

Mary went to good schools in Wilmington, Delaware for a while. However, after her father passed away, her family moved back to Philadelphia. This meant she had to continue her studies on her own. She was a dedicated student and learned a lot about literature and several old and new languages. She even started writing poetry when she was very young, and some of her poems were published when she was just twelve years old.

Teaching and Family Life

In 1832, Mary started teaching at the Mantua Female Academy in Chester County, Pennsylvania. She taught there for three years.

In 1835, she married Joseph Cowan Boyd. He was a successful farmer and also worked to improve schools in their area. Mary and Joseph had five children: Catherine S., William Wallace, Mariana, Joseph C., and James S.

Writing Career

After 1870, Mary Boyd became a very active writer. She wrote many articles for Arthur's Lady's Home Magazine. She also contributed to children's papers published by the American Sunday-School Union and the Presbyterian Board of Publication.

Mary Boyd wrote a large number of books specifically for young readers. By 1893, she had published at least 32 books that were often used in Sunday schools. Her stories were designed to teach young people good values and lessons.

By 1893, Mary Boyd was living in Sadsbury Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania.